City Centre Partnership
The City Centre Partnership is an independent, business-led, limited company based in Newcastle city centre.
Newcastle businesses have voted to establish the biggest and, arguably, the most ambitious Business Improvement District (BID) in the world.
The BID, to be up and running by 1 April 2009, will put business at the centre of the city’s development and future direction in a way not seen since the days of Grainger and Dobson, according the City Centre Partnership Director Sean Bullick.
It will also deliver a series of practical measures designed to enhance the city centre and encourage more, and more repeat, visitors. These include the creation of “pocket parks”, cleaner streets, better events and signage as well as more focussed marketing.
The BID works by pooling individually small contributions from city centre businesses and levering-in additional third party funding. As such, says Sean, it is by far the most efficient form of investment, achieving returns which would otherwise not be possible.
Tim Lamb, General Manager at Eldon Square, voted in favour of the BID, and said: “Businesses throughout the country have witnessed an impact on trade as the credit crunch has taken hold. Our top priority now is to do what we can to minimise this effect for businesses and our customers.
“The BID can help us do this, offering a hands-on approach with the potential to reinvigorate the city centre, helping to improve conditions for business and encourage economic growth.”
The turnout at the ballot was 52.5%, with 67% by number voting in favour and 59% by rateable value voting in favour.
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